Indigenous Education Curriculum Annexation: The Salt to Nigeria’s Advancement Technically

Abstract

Nigeria is endowed with a huge and vast array of natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas, solid minerals, agro materials, forest and wild life species and extensive water bodies. Notable in Nigeria as a case, the economy is suffering from structural defects and remains a consumer economy as a result of failure of indigenous engineering personnel to understand and take the lead role to process and utilize abundant natural resources for industrial development of the country. The study therefore x-rayed indigenous education and its inclusion to our school curriculum as the salt to Nigeria’s advancement technologically. The researchers utilized the descriptive survey type of research design in sought for response from her respondents. Key informants of the study were aged retired lecturers or teachers. A structured questionnaire were developed and used to gather data. Sixty-two (62) questionnaires were distributed and retrieved from the respondents. The statistical tool used in the study was weighted Mean. A four-point scale was used to assess the degree of agreement and disagreement of the respondents. The study revealed that respectful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge at all levels within the conventional curriculum can result in decisions that are based on a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the world. Furthermore, it also proved that Indigenous knowledge cannot be separated from the people inextricably connected to that knowledge amongst others. It is concluded that in order to achieve meaningful advancement technologically in developing nations like Nigeria, the inclusion of indigenous education/knowledge into the already modern existing curriculum should be considered as paramount. Also increase awareness among the public, policy maker and industrialist on the pivotal role of indigenous education plays in national development.